The Lincoln Continental concept, the ultimate expression of American Luxury and the culmination of nearly two years of research and development, was unveiled at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show. Continental is a powerful but understated executive car with unique proportions that optimize space for the elegant, sophisticated and supremely comfortable interior. The design embraces features from Lincoln's past, such as center opening doors, but the execution is thoroughly modern.

Two important goals of the Lincoln design team were to maximize interior space and optimize ingress and egress. This led to the creation of a unique proportion, in which the Continental's cabin is centered within the wheelbase. The passenger space is exceptionally large, the trunk is cavernous, and a powerful 6.0-liter V-12 engine resides under the hood.

The powered center-opening doors are triggered by remote or simply by a touch of the flush aluminum door handles. The Continental's doors operate independently and with both doors open, the pillarless aperture is almost six feet wide. All this is made possible by articulating hinges that open to 90 degrees and a ring frame that adds structural rigidity along the A-pillar, rear roof pillar, sill and roof rails.

The headliner and the Eames lounge chair-inspired seats are covered in full-grain aniline leather dyed a creamy hue called Rhode Island Sand. A translucent silk panel shades the overhead fiber optic light strip. The flooring is a close-sheared midnight blue sheepskin. The instrument panel and doors are trimmed in a combination of Rhode Island Sand and Midnight Blue leather. The dark leather helps mask the transition to the window glass.

The Continental's full-width instrument panel is built around reconfigurable displays for engine functions and vehicle systems, including concierge and telematics features, navigation and the THX-certified audio system. The chaplets that ring the speedometer and other gauges displays are fixed to the glass for a jewel-like effect.

A cabinet between the rear seats houses crystal and a drinks dispenser. Each rear door has a large umbrella holder and compartments that can be personalized. The Continental, for example, is fitted with cigar humidors.

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